The use of systems development methodologies in mobile telecommunication software development in South Africa / C.H. Otto

Abstract:

This study aims to identify the ways in which mobile telecommunications software systems are
developed in practice in South Africa. The main objectives are to identify the systems
development methodologies used, if any, during development, to highlight certain key aspects of
mobile telecommunication software development and identify a list of necessities a systems
development methodology should contain when used to develop mobile telecommunications
software.
In the highly competitive market of mobile telecommunications, it is extremely important that
mobile telecommunications systems are developed in minimal time. with minimal cost while still
ensuring quality and usability. As stated by Fitzgerald (1996), a big factor that could have a
positive impact on the development process is the use of a systems development methodology.
Because of the importance of systems development methodologies, this study identifies and
discusses different types of systems development methodologies from the available literature and
also three systems development methodologies designed specifically for developing mobile
telecommunication systems.
To determine how mobile telecommunication systems arc developed in practice. a qualitative
research method was used. Case studies were done at three different mobile telecommunications
software development companies in South Africa. Data were collected by conducting semi
structured interviews with developers or project managers at each of the companies. Coding of
the data was done with the help of ATLAS.ti and analysed by means of cross-case content
analysis.
It was found that mobile telecommunications software development companies in South Africa
tended to make use of in-house developed systems development methodologies, focusing on
flexibility and speed of development. This was driven by the constant interaction of software
with other telecommunications systems and the speed at which mobile telecommunication
software need to be developed. Key aspects of these in-house systems development
methodologies were identified as well as a list of necessities which should be addressed during
mobile telecommunication system development